The New York Cosmos have brought on local standout Alecko Eskandarian as an assistant coach.

“I am very excited to be joining the New York Cosmos,” Eskandarian said. “I have many happy memories growing up around the Cosmos and this is a perfect place for me to continue my coaching career.”

The Cosmos have long been in Eskandarian’s DNA. His father Andranik Eskandarian was a defender for the original Cosmos from 1978 to 1984, and Alecko was a regular fixture at Cosmos practices as a kid.

“I am delighted to welcome Alecko back into the Cosmos family” said head coach Giovanni Savarese. “Alecko is the perfect addition to my coaching staff.

Alecko grew up with the Cosmos and understands the club and I look forward to working with him. Along with his excellent playing career, Alecko has good coaching experience already and I feel he has what it takes to be a top level coach.”

After growing up to win the 2000 Gatorade National High School Player of the Year award at Bergen Catholic High School in New Jersey, he earned the Hermann Trophy in 2002 at the University of Virginia and was the No. 1 overall pick in the MLS draft. He went on to score 36 goals in 136 league games, twice being named an all-star and being capped by the U.S. in 2003.

Eskandarian most recently served as the Philadelphia Union’s youth technical director. Before that he enjoyed a successful MLS career, where he played for DC United, Toronto FC, Real Salt Lake, Chivas USA and the Los Angeles Galaxy. In 2004, he won the MLS Cup with DC United and was named the MLS Cup MVP. Eskandarian retired in 2010 from concussion related symptoms.